Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to clarify the concept of goodness, and to discuss the meaning of the concept for nursing.
The theory used as a scientific base of the thesis is hermeneutics colored by phenomenology. Thinking related to conceptual analyses in nursing is elaborated. Kim`s taxonomy for nursing reseach, her thinking related to the typology of four domains, and Carper`s fundamental patterns of knowing in nursing is applied. The discussion is also taking into consideration Henderson`s definition of nursing.
Method: The thesis contains a semantic analyses of the concept of goodness, applying Walker & Avant`s conceptual analytic model. There are eight steps in the model, and the first seven of these are used in the present inquiry.
Results: The study shows that a prerequisite for the presence of goodness is the existence of a relationship. The orientation towards an other person, the acceptance of the other person and the will to use knowledge constuctively for the benefit of the other person is what distinguish the concept. Goodness further emerges as a superior value. The consequences of goodness appear as experiences of freedom and joy, and from beeing respected.
Conclusion: The concept of goodness appears to be important for nursing by being a value concept, a relational concept and a concept with demands toward to the one who provides goodness. Further, the knowledge about goodness can be found within the ethical, estetical and personal areas of knowledge, with possibilities for use of empirical knowledge from providing goodness. Goodness can be found in the nurse-patient relationship, and the discussion shows points of resemblence between performance of nursing and performance of goodness. It is desirable that the phenomenon of goodness can be further studied through empirical enquiries.